In many cases a student takes up engineering in high school because their parents have imposed that on them. Some students take it because they think that they are good at it. Many change streams or career without even giving it a thought; you may have often noticed that a literature student suddenly doing a MBA because this will help him or her to get a ‘good job’. Does he or she realize whether he or she has the aptitude for it? We all have talents but it is equally important to know what it is and how we can use them in a best possible way. There is a huge debate whether these psychometric tests are useful or not. This depends on how honest is the person who is taking the test and whether he or she is ready to accept the results that might be contrary to his aspirations. In this context, let’s find out the advantages of taking a psychometric test-
• Psychometric tests are cost-effective and easy to use.
• The questionnaire format is standardized and thus candidates are judged impartially and equally.
• This test helps to judge a student or candidate’s personality effectively and thus helps him or her to select a career according to it. If a person can’t qualify the test it means the job was not suitable for him or her and thus there is no reason to lose hope.
• Often it is becomes tough for an employer to understand a person’s skills and behavioral pattern through an interview. This test actually helps to judge whether the candidate actually possesses the skills or can just give good interviews. Thus merit is given due importance.
A psychometric test can only be successful if the student or candidate is honest with the answers. You can’t actually pass or fail a psychometric test since it is just a yardstick to measure your true potential. Psychometric assessments not only help teachers, career counselors and employers, it also helps individuals understand their innate strengths. The two most popular psychometric assessments used in career programs are- The Highlands Ability Battery (HAB) and Myers Briggs Types Indicator.
The Highlands Ability Battery (HAB): This standard tool is like a blueprint for all other career assessment programs and is the best way to help a person to understand their innate strengths. This is an objective test and it consists of nineteen different work samples. The work samples are timed and research reveals that the results of the tests are accurate. This test is a little different from the aptitude tests that you took at school. It takes three hours to complete the whole test and all you need is a computer with a good audio system to crack the code.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is very important as it influences your career. This tool is a measurement of your personality. Research proves that the results of the tests are reliable and it will help an individual to search for a career based on their personality. To complete this test you have to answer questions like-
• Do you prefer to work with others or alone?
• Do you prefer to work with concrete facts or ideas?
• Do you prefer to make decisions taking into account others feelings or by applying a consistent set of rules?
• Do you dislike working under time pressure?
These questions need honest answers for the results to be reliable. Once you can gauge your preferences and behavioral patterns selecting a career or a field of study will become easy. For instance, a person who doesn’t like to work under time pressure will have to select a desk job and not opt for a media job, since it requires them to meet deadlines in a short notice. Some people who are sociable and love to work in a team can opt for public relations. Those who are introverts can do something that requires minimum interaction with others. Some like to do intense research while others want to work with solid facts. So knowing yourself is vital for becoming successful in any career. The preparation for a career should start early thus it is best you take a test just after completing your tenth standard, this way you will be sure of what you stream you should study. It is just like a reality check that will keep you grounded and prevent you from switching careers in the middle.
You will find several tests in the internet that are labeled as ‘psychometric tests’ but they are not original. You can take the help of a career counselor to select the right test for you. The test should make you confident and not confuse you. Don’t delay and take a psychometric test so that you can become more aware about yourself. For Bernard Baruch said, “Only as you do know yourself can your brain serve you as a sharp and efficient tool. Know your own failings, passions, and prejudices so you can separate them from what you see.” It won’t be an exaggeration to say that, if you desire to improve then psychometric tests is the only correct way to rediscover yourself!
About the Author :
Surela Chakraborty writes feature and lifestyle articles. She is known to experiment with different genres of writing. She started writing in her school days but has made her passion a profession. Her articles have been published in both print and digital media. Research is her forte and she has more than three years’ experience in this field. Connect with her @SurelaC
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